Neighborhood Christian Fellowship: July 2007

Wesleyan Church

Annual Church Conference

2006-2007

June 10, 2007

From The Pastor

John 1:14 summarizes so much of Jesus’ ministry as he moved among the people of his day. Our vision is based upon this scriptural principle of living our lives out in our neighborhood—no matter where that may be.

We are a Christian community called to worship God by impacting our neighborhood through meeting physical, educational and spiritual needs, resulting in devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

Vision statements can be meaningless unless acted upon. The Staff and Leadership are accountable to God, the Wesleyan Church and you, the NCF community, to live out this vision. As you read through this annual summary, you will see how dynamic your Staff, Leadership, and Volunteers are in fulfilling our vision. In the pages to follow, you will see evidence of what God is doing among us. It is noteworthy that we took a few more steps this year in moving closer to becoming a true ministry center in our neighborhood.

Brian McLaren in More Ready Than You Realize writes about what the church’s motivation ought to be:

“We are a community bound together and energized by faith, love and commitment to Jesus Christ. Even thought you don’t yet share that faith, love, and commitment, you are most welcome to be with us, to belong here, to experience what we’re about. Then if you are attracted and persuaded by what you see, you’ll want to set down roots here long-term. And even if you don’t, you’ll always be a friend (p.84-85).

My prayer is that everyone who is touched by our ministries will be persuaded to become “fully devoted followers of Jesus Christ”.

Still in His Grip,

Dr. Gordon L. Coulter

Senior Pastor

Assistant/Administrative Pastor

I rejoice in serving with each of you this past year. It has been both a privilege and honor to serve with you in “reaching the neighborhood.” I thank God for you and your faithfulness to Christ, your love for all His people, and your willingness to share the gospel with your Godly lifestyle. Vikki and I would also like to thank you personally for your generosity in supporting us in traveling to Indonesia. What an awesome trip to partner together with you on. Thank you. After going to Indonesia, I feel like Paul’s words in Colossians are directed towards us: “All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace and truth.” (Col 1:6) It’s fascinating to see how God is moving in His people, in you and me, and how we are called to serve in the community as parts of something bigger than ourselves. It is truly exciting - an adventure - to serve Him together.

The following is a list of some of the projects and ministries your Assistant/Administrative Pastor has been involved with the past year:

Facility Improvements

· Facility improvements of electrical, air conditioning, PA and lighting systems, plumbing and drainage systems, doorways, trash collection and kitchen facilities.

· Updating of computer systems hardware and software and new wireless network system

· Coordinating the upgrades to two houses for SSFW move-in as well as facility upgrades for the APU Counseling Center move-in

Ministries and Christian Education

Serving in three “hands-on” ministries by teaching the Faith Builders Class, Men’s Prayer Group, and starting a small group at our home

· Part of pastoral team for visitation, hospital visits, prayer, preaching and teaching

· Ordering of education curriculum and point person for 40 Days of Community

Staffing and Administration

· Coordination of administrative staff changes in front office and volunteer staffing

· Assisting in management of all staff and participation in staff, board and sub-committee meetings; participated in staff evaluations and reviews

· Coordination of EOT Reloaded, Marketing Committee, Finance Committee, Nominating Committee, and Tech Team formation.

Administration of Christian Partners in Ministry

· Coordination of addition of one new congregation – Sanctuary of Praise – and two new Christian partners in ministry – 12 Step Program/AA and APU Family Counseling Center

· Involvement with Christian partners of non-profits (five now) and four congregations as administrator and coordinator including contract negotiation and space management

· Became Interim Executive Director for Arrow Community Center to assist in re-start of programs, grant seeking and board re-building

· Privileged to go to Indonesia with my wife and experience what God is doing in Asia; coordination of Abbalove LA sessions with Pastor Eddy speaking

I would like to acknowledge and thank our office staff, Teri Harrison and Aniko Sebestyen, and our volunteers, Beverly Gotts, Charlotte and Tracy Wilborn, Sue Wolkins, Sheri Burdick, and Katie Taylor.

By far, the biggest privilege I have had this year is the opportunity to be part of this body of Christ and watch as God is moving in your lives and mine. This is a wonderful place of community, and I’m honored to be serving here with each of you.

Serving Together for Christ,

Pastor Mark Bargaehr

Missions & Outreach

Phil and Becky Davis, Suriname, South America

Since the Davis family ministered at Neighborhood Christian Fellowship on July 9, 2006, they have visited many churches obtaining Faith Promise support in preparation for their new ministry in Belgium. As Phil continued to prepare for this move, he received an e-mail from the school of Theology saying that they are recommending him to the University of Leuven for acceptance as a student in their school. With confirmations like this, they know they are moving in the direction God wants them to go. Their goal is to arrive in Belgium by the end of September, for the start of the next academic year.

NCF financial support this year totaled $2,800.

Love In The Name of Christ (Love Inc.)

For several years, NCF provided space to store linens (towels, sheets and blankets). However, this is no longer being done, but we do support this organization financially. Their mission is to link legitimate needs of hurting people with caring Christian churches and community resources. They keep in contact with 126 churches in the Northeast San Gabriel Valley.

NCF financial support this year totaled $1,200.

Darrel and Kathy Grasman, San Jose, Costa Rica

Darrel has been involved with Operation Mobilization for several years. His most recent endevour has been to arrange seminars on evangelism, leadership, AIDS and prayer-intercession in thirty churches in Costa Rica. Kathy is a director of weekly Bible studies with a few of the Costa Rican women in their local church.

NCF financial support this year totaled $1,200.

Marsha Wilson, Youth For Christ & TLC

Marsha continues to put a strong emphasis on the TLC Club which is a support service for Pregnant and Parenting teens, allowing them to socialize and grow spiritually.

NCF financial support this year totaled $1,200.

Pastor Reynaldo Ramirez, Vida Nueva en Jesus

New life in Jesus, Latino Outreach. This ministry continues to remain strong in their outreach to the Hispanic community, Under the leadership of Pastor Reynaldo.

NCF financial support this year totaled $2,400.

Melynee Bargaehr, Sonrise Christian, Ghana, Africa

Melynee is teaching an English course at Sonrise High School in the city of Ho, Ghana. She is developing an addendum to the curriculum focusing on public health.

NCF financial support this year totaled $250.

I would like to thank our Missions Outreach Committee: Tracy Wilborn, Pastor Reynaldo Ramirez, and Pastor Gordon Coulter for all their support and assistance throughout this past year.

Ed Unruh

Chairman

Children's Ministry

Want to raise your child with a sound foundation of faith? Looking for a church that can help? Neighborhood Christian Fellowship has many different programs for children of all ages. We focus not only on spending one-on-one quality time with each child, but ensuring that every moment spent with them is used as an opportunity to teach them about the Lord and the way in which he wants us to live. We not only welcome each new child, but encourage parents to spend time with their child, developing a relationship with the Lord as a family.

Sunday Programs:

9:15—10:15—Sunday School for children of all ages

10:30—11:45—”Big Church” for Toddlers through 6th grade

Wednesday Programs:

6:45—8:30—September through May—A.W.A.N.A.

Cubbies (2 years—Kindergarten)

Sparks and T&T (1 –5 grade)

July 30 to August 3, 2007—Vacation Bible School

(3 years—5th grade)

Completed Events:

Vacation Bible School

AWANA Closing Ceremonies

“Treasure Hunt” Summer Programs (Wed.)

Beginning of Year 4 AWANA

Christmas Program

Valentine Fundraiser

Palm Sunday Program

Easter Program

Magic Show

Upcoming Events:

Dessert Auction

Remodeling of Toddler Room

AWANA Closing Ceremonies (Year 4)

Vacation Bible School

Summer Overnighters

Wednesday Night Summer Activities

Beginning of Year 5 AWANA

Pancake Breakfast

A very special thank you to all of the teachers and volunteers who have dedicated their time and resources into the children at our church..

Sunday Morning Teachers:

Nursery—Ms. Mary Nodine

Toddler—Ms. Catherine Childs, Ms. Kristy Hetzer

Preschool—Mrs. Gladys Wilson

Elementary—Mrs. Vikki Bargaehr

Missions—Mrs. Sue Wolkins, Ms. Nancy Fukuhara, Ms. Katie Taylor

AWANA Teachers:

Cubbies—Mrs. Kim Roset, Ms. Tracy Wilborn

Sparks and T&T—Ms. Katie Taylor, Mrs, Amanda Adams, Ms. Kristy Hetzer, Mrs. Janine Codoner, Dr. Earl Gotts, Mr. Scott Drury, Mrs. Elizabeth Drury

May you have the opportunity to see the way in which you have blessed the children in the years to come.

Desiree Burton, Director of Children’s Ministries

Youth Ministries

We just completed a great year! Our vision as a youth group is…

We are a Christian community called to worship God by impacting our neighborhood through meeting physical, educational, and spiritual needs, resulting in devoted followers of Jesus Christ.

We completed the following events:

· Youth Sunday

· Surf Camp

· Junior High Winter Camp

· Union Rescue Mission

· Paintball

· Bike Trip

The following are our goals for next year:

· More Intentional Spiritual Formation

· Start Small Groups

· Recruit and train adult small group leaders

I would like to acknowledge and thank our volunteers:

Ernie Reyes, Nora Reyes, Katie Adams, John Beers, and Dick Adams

Dave Johnson

Youth Pastor

The Gathering

The Neighborhood Christian Fellowship College and Career Ministry meets in the Youth Room at NCF on Thursday nights at 8 pm. We are a committed group of people who are growing spiritually through deep Bible study and discussion. We have five values that are held highly, they include: prayer, spiritual growth, service, evangelism and encouragement.

We are a group in transition. We have had large numbers in the past but now we are a small core. We are transitioning to be a group of people that studies the Bible diligently and prays for each other. The young twenties age group is a historically difficult age group to reach out to. Therefore, our model is changing from a group that reaches out to a group that builds each other up spiritually so that our other (Youth/Children) ministries can be healthy and growing.

Discipleship

and Related Ministries

During this year classes have been held for membership and for baptism. These classes have prepared people who have accepted Christ as Savior to publicly demonstrate their commitment to Christ. These classes have also covered the basic teachings of the church, the responsibility of Christians to the church and opportunity to identify with this church and the Wesleyan movement.

Other training activities have also been held. Last summer Pastor Mark, Pastor Gordon, and Pastor Gotts held an 8 week parenting seminar. Pastor Earl met with children’s workers to discuss positive classroom management. Pastor Earl also consulted with a number of programs and people.

This year has also presented opportunities for small groups. The “Forty Days of Community” had at its base 11 small groups. For six weeks these groups met to personalize the basic teaching and concepts of the emphases.

During “Forty Days of Community” each small group selected a project to serve the community of the church or the community in which we live. From these projects the ”Dare Ministry” was born. The need to be sure that people who are in the hospital, shut in, ill, seniors, and absentees are contacted and their needs met. This also included senior transportation when needed. Below are the results of this ministry from November 2006 through May 2007:

Hospital Visits 61

Phone Calls to Seniors 142

Phone Calls to Absentees 100

Phone Calls to Shut Ins and Health Issues 133

Also, the “Cookie Ministry” continues to follow up on first-time visitors.

Calendar meeting has been held to coordinate facility use and calendar issues. It is the objective of the meetings to encourage long term planning and communication.

After the “Forty Days of Community” eight groups continued through out the year. On normal weeks about 50 people will be in small groups. Pastor Mark and Vicki have just started a new Home group with a primary objective of discipleship.

In the coming year it is expected that the small groups will continue and additional groups will be added. The goal is, by the end of the year, to have at least one small every day of the week at various times. Pastor Earl will be starting a six week training program called “Adventures in Ministry” during the Sunday School Hour to introduce people to God’s calling to the ministries of the church and to encourage people to commit to finding their place in ministry. This program also provides some basic skill development.

Pastor Mark will continue to hold and monitor the Crown Ministries seminars. Consultations will continue to be held and training provided to our various ministries as needed.

I would like to acknowledge our Dare Ministry Team: Richard and Charlotte Wilborn, Marilyn Taylor, Lupe Rosales, Sue Wolkins, Dennis Sanderson, Sheri Burdick, Beverly Gotts, Holland Prior, Ken Williams, Joann Spink, Marian Spink, Ed Unruh, Tracy Wilborn, and Lynn Craig.

Respectfully Submitted,

Dr. Earl Gotts

Music and Worship

As your Worship Team, it is our honor to help lead you, our congregation, to the throne of our Creator God. Each Sunday morning we offer up songs that will give each distracted heart a gentle nudge back toward the amazing truths revealed in God’s Word through music.

As your Worship Leader, I give thanksgiving to the Lord for the talented team I am privileged to make music with each Sunday: Steve Oldham, Ernie Reyes, Jorge Carlos, Rochelle Richardson, Kim Roset, Holland Prior, and Teri Harrison. They help me focus on worship, on prayer, on God’s work and our responsibility to be faithful to His “work” by keeping our mission clear and in the forefront.

Respectfully Submitted,

Lindy Coulter
Interim Worship Leader

Arrow Community Center

A Place to Belong – A Place to Become

Arrow Community Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that partners with NCF as an outreach arm in serving our neighbors and reaching our community. The mission of ACC is to provide a safe haven for children, youth and adults where they will have opportunities for education, recreation and life skill development as well as fostering positive character qualities such as honestly, civil behavior, caring for others, and respect for the family. We reach out to the low-to-moderate income neighborhoods of Azusa and Covina by meeting tangible needs and working to empower those in our community who are struggling due to challenges they face in their ability to succeed and to help them find personal, economic and ultimately spiritual transformation. In this way, we have the opportunity to minister to the whole person.

This year has been a challenging year for ACC with loss of funding, grants and personnel, but the future looks bright as we see new changes and opportunities to meet the needs of the community. Below is a short list of some of things accomplished in this past year:

Programs Offered

· Skatepark continued to operate on Monday, Wednesday and Saturdays with 5-20 participants and an APU intern was hired to assist through the Lily Grant foundation

· Classes for Skills for Life were offered for Parenting Seminars

· Classes for Powered Up were offered for computer training for adults

· Velocity after-school program was discontinued in September 2006 based on loss of funding and program director

Fund Raising

· A new on-line “garage sale” is being offered that allows individuals to sell items on-line and give the proceeds to ACC as a donation

· The TEAM Golf tournament was completed in May with an expectation of a portion of the proceeds from 145 golfers and silent auctions to be given to ACC

· A large donation from CCCU was received in December

· Grant writers were employed and several grants consolidated with other non-profits are being written and proposed that include ACC Administration and Marketing

· New brochures were produced along with new business cards and DVD jackets as well as our web-site was reviewed this past year

· New computers were installed with software and past documents updated and backed up for further use

· Two Lily grant interns thru APU were hired and trained to help keep public relations and materials up to date

· TEAM meetings of networking with the community were continued to help keep our ACC name active in the community

Two informational board meetings were held to encourage participation in ACC by outside business and the community at large.

Next Steps for the Future

The goal of ACC is to re-start the after-school homework tutoring program in September. To achieve this goal the following items will be instituted:

· Review of potential “fully funded” candidate for Program Director in June

· Installation of a new board for ACC made up of business, church and community leaders to start in July 2007

· Initiate new grant writing opportunities for funding of ACC by employing grant writers, participating with other non-profit ‘broader’ grants, and seeking funding by local business and church leaders connected to the new board

· Offer fundraising opportunities such as a Fund Raising Dinner and Auction and other events throughout the year

We would like to acknowledge and thank our current ACC Board Members, Joann Spink and Pastor Reynaldo Ramirez.

ACC is planning now and seeking opportunities to meet the needs of the community in 2007 and beyond.

Mark Bargaehr

Interim Executive Director

Dr. Gordon Coulter

President and Chairman of the Board

Expanding Our Territories

Your EOT Reloaded Committee was busy this year with an extension of the all-ready successful EOT capital campaign that had been in place for three years. This past February we launched the Reloaded Campaign to keep the vision alive that God had given this church over ten years ago. In May we also launched a prayer day for EOT, and in September a recap was given during the fall kick-off and picnic.

The vision has remained strong and the list below recaps our ministry outreach and facility projects that have been completed in this past year.

Total Pledges Received: $54,465

EOT Reloaded Raised This Fiscal Year $31,459

Parking Lot Repair $ 8,500

Projector/Computer Audio Visual for Fellowship Hall $ 500

Storage (East side of Sanctuary) - 2 Storage Sheds

(Donated Cost and Labor) $ 0

Golf Cart (in 2006) $ 500

BBQ for Patio $ 350

Total Expended $ 9,850

We are still waiting for several proposals from potential partners that may help with our two other major projects: the remodeling of the bathrooms and the children’s outdoor play area. Because of this, the balance remaining until this decision is made follows:

Unexpended balance remaining for EOT: $32,099

We believe that these projects and others to follow will enhance our ability to reach out to our community in 2007 and beyond. Thank you for your participation and faithfulness in this Kingdom Building project.

Pastor Mark Bargaehr

Vida Nueva en Jesus

Thank God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit

Thank you to all the participants, co-workers, members of Vida Nueva, and Neighborhood Christian Fellowship for a wonderful and exciting year of ministry in the Lord Jesus.

All year we experienced wonderful times with our Lord’s people. It is amazing how He works and leads us into His happiness and joyful kingdom. Alleluia!

We celebrated, cried, and laughed about all the testimonies we experienced throughout the year, and we glorified our Lord for everything that happened to this Church.

Vida Nueva has developed a path of being truthful to the Lord and His commandments, at all times and in all things, by serving in His church, Vida Nueva and NCF. Along with AbbaLove and Sanctuary of Praise, our loved new brothers in Christ, they are really a blessing to this church along with the other ministries.

This year’s attendance has been regular, averaging 20-30 on Sunday mornings and 6-12 on Wednesday evenings. The spirit of the members is to grow our membership to 30-40 during the coming year. Let’s praise the Lord for this to happen according to His will.

The budget has been tentatively set for $12,000, and for missions to be $700 to $1,200 this year. We are trusting in the Lord that we will double the budget in the coming year.

God bless you all,

Pastor Reynaldo Ramirez

P.S. Thank you for your prayer and support during my recent illness. Your continued prayers for me and my family are greatly appreciated.

Baptisms

Among the various ministries performed here the church, including wedding and funerals, with having our own baptistery, is now able to hold regular baptisms.

In the last year, Arrow High Christian Fellowship and Vida Nueva en Jesus have been blessed to be able to baptize 17 adults and 3 children.

2006-2007

Local Board of Administration

Pastor Gordon Coulter

Ken Williams - Secretary

Joann Spink - Treasurer

Ernie Reyes, Lupe Rosales, Kim Roset, Marilyn Taylor, Ed Unruh, Kristy Hetzer, Maria Elena Carlos, Holland Prior,

Dr. Malcolm Robertson, Maria Gomez

Staff Support to the LBA:
Pastor Mark Bargaehr and Pastor Reynaldo Ramirez

2006-2007

Arrow Highway Council

Pastor Gordon Coulter

Pastor Mark Bargaehr

Lynn Craig, Dr. Earl Gotts, Rhonda Beltran, Nora Reyes

Dr. Malcolm Robertson, Lupe Rosales, Ed Unruh, Tina Burton,

Richard Wilborn, Katie Taylor, Rick Ortiz

Neighborhood Christian Fellowship

Monday, July 30, 2007

Helmet of Salvation

Thursday, July 26, 2007

How Bright is the Light

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Hang In There

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Water of Life

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

Trust

Monday, July 16, 2007

The Promise

Monday, July 9, 2007

The Beginning

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